What if I have a jerk for a boss?

Earlier this fall I wrote about how “Christ is our ultimate employer.” As promised, I’m continuing to examine how we as Christians are to handle authority in the workplace. This week I give you the following exchange between a disgruntled employee and his pastor:

James: How can I be a good employee and Christian when my boss is a jerk?

Pastor: Can you define your boss’ “jerkiness?

James: He expects me to work more than 40 hours a week, never says a kind or encouraging word, and his demands are unrealistic. Besides that he’s always grumpy and his instructions are unclear. The job really requires two people but he won’t hire someone else. And on top of all that I don’t agree with what he asks me to do.

Pastor: Wow. That’s a load. Let’s assume for a moment that your boss is a genuine “jerk.” As your pastor let me ask you, “Does God ask us to submit to bosses who are jerks?”

James: I’m not sure? I assume He doesn’t. Does He?

Pastor: Peter addresses the issue directly: “You who are servants, be good servants—not just to good masters, but also to bad ones.” Does that surprise you?

James: Yes, it does and I’m not sure I agree with it or understand it at all? Can you help?

Pastor: I’ll let you read the passage in 1 Peter 2, yourself, but I can summarize a few reasons that Peter gives. First, our behavior is an important example of what a Christian actually is. The normal human response to mishandling is a response in kind. To respond in an exemplary fashion draws positive attention and generates questions—questions that may lead to a healthy discussion about Christ. Second, Peter reminds us that our work is devoted not to the jerk boss, nor even the company, but to God Himself. Therefore, to rob the boss of our best is in effect to rob Christ. Third, Peter emphasizes that this supernatural response is one that pleases God, and that reason should be reason enough for us all. Does that help?

James: It’s definitely a different way of thinking. But what if the boss crosses the line into physical abuse or illegal behavior?

Pastor: In Peter’s day the laws probably wouldn’t have considered physical abuse improper, but in our day it’s out of bounds and rightly so. I wouldn’t encourage anyone to interpret this passage as saying that we should endure bodily abuse or unlawful actions.

James: That’s good. Anything else I should consider?

Pastor: Yes, and these two things are very important. After you have read the passage, and prayed over it, are you willing to do what it says, assuming that your boss never changes for the better? Second, I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you to pray. Pray for your boss and your responses. It will give you empathy for your boss and wisdom for your future. I hope this has challenged you to think. And we’ll talk about this again soon.